( Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
By DANNY JAILLET
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — According to a report from Peter King of Sports Illustrated.com, the New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady have agreed to a three-year $27 million contract extension. This contract lasts until 2017, when Brady is 40 years of age. This puts him in a position to retire as a Patriot.
This deal will pay him an immediate $3 million signing bonus in addition to $7 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016, and $9 million in 2017. According to King, with this new deal, the Patriots will save $28.6 million in the next two years, which amounts to $15 million worth of savings on the salary cap. His original deal would have amounted to $43.6 million on the team’s cap, a hefty price in comparison with this new deal.
Now, this gives New England the flexibility to sign multiple players to long-term deals. One has to wonder if a reduced deal means that Wes Welker is returning as a Patriot. Either way, it is honorable for Brady to take a smaller salary for the benefit of the organization and it speaks to his selflessness and team-oriented nature.
Last season, the eight-time Pro Bowler threw for 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. However, the end result was disappointing for both fans and team alike as New England lost 28-13 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.
In what has been a very busy offseason for the Patriots, another key signing has taken place. Now, New England has additional chances to go for their fourth Super Bowl with Brady at the helm.
